Gift ideas for teen boy- please help!

[Anonymous]

My son turns 13 a week before Christmas. Usually this hasn’t been a struggle with gifts as we’ve had ideas but he’s now past the age of wanting any sort of toy and he got all new electronics last year when he started middle school. He’s not into clothes or shoes. He loves sports and video games but I’m really struggling this year with ideas for the birthday and Christmas double whammy (plus my and DH’s family always rely on us for gifts ideas). I would love any unique gift ideas that you’ve gotten your son at this age that was a hit. Last year we did some “experience gifts” like wizards tickets so open to something like that again but would also love something he can open and enjoy in the moment. I really appreciate any advice.

[Anonymous]

I know you said he is past the toy stage but we currently have 3 teen boys ages 13-17 and the following items are on their Christmas lists:
Radio controlled car
Drone
Slack line obstacle set
Lava lamp
Constellation projector with Bluetooth speakers
Phone mount for bike
Laser tag set (we have a set now but they want extra so more friend can play)
Spike ball set

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know you said he is past the toy stage but we currently have 3 teen boys ages 13-17 and the following items are on their Christmas lists:
Radio controlled car
Drone
Slack line obstacle set
Lava lamp
Constellation projector with Bluetooth speakers
Phone mount for bike
Laser tag set (we have a set now but they want extra so more friend can play)
Spike ball set

Thank you!! He doesn’t seem to want to play with toys at home but I think it’s because he’s outgrown them all but ideas like these are wonderful!

[Anonymous]

My son is a sports fanatic. He loves sports cards (way too much!), sports jerseys of his favorite players, a good board game and video games. We do a lot of experiences too. The Nats used to do a winterfest in Dec but they haven’t since Covid.

[Anonymous]

Tickets to a sport event. Caps tickets. Wizards tickets. Splurge for good ones!

[Anonymous]

New video games for whatever gaming system he has
Swatch watch
A lego creator or architecture set for display if he might like building but not playing with legos
A trip to an away game for his favorite team

[Anonymous]

Gumball dispenser
Hoverboard
Retro arcade/pinball
Ping pong or air hockey table
LED lights for room
AirPods
Cool charging station
Popcorn machine

[Anonymous]

I'm getting my kid a fog machine (for outdoor use) - a little strange, but I'm sure he's going to love it.

What about a polaroid type camera?

[Anonymous]

My almost 16 yo is impossible to buy for and he is also a December birthday, so I get the double whammy stress. He hasn't asked for anything in years so aside from upgrading his iPhone every few years, I'm always scrambling. We cleaned out his room last month and ended up donating tons of stuff that people (including me) have given him over the years that he never even opened. He just doesn't like "stuff".

I usually go with a new hoodie and nicer versions of his everyday clothes -- he likes the soft tees from Vuori. Last year I bought him really nice headphones for gaming (Bose, I think?) that he uses every day.

Biggest hit with him has been those subscription snack boxes. My sister gets him one every year and he really enjoys them. His favorite is Universal Yum, which sends snacks from a different country each month.

[Anonymous]

Some good suggestions in here. https://themotherchic.com/2022/11/04/gift-ideas-for-teen-boys/